Horizon T101 Treadmill Review 2018

Features

6/10

Tech Specs

7/10

Build Quailty

5/10

Treadmill Review

Updated: 4-11-2018

If you are looking for a budget-friendly machine to help you ease back into regular exercise, then the Horizon T101 is a decent option. Its price point is under $700 dollars, with a top speed of 10 MPH and incline range from 0% - 10%, which will provide plenty of challenge for beginners and those returning to exercising after time off.

We recommend the T101 treadmill for walkers and very light joggers who are looking for a quiet, low-cost treadmill.

Price

The T101 is one of the less expensive treadmills from a popular name brand, priced generally around $700.

Who The T101 Is Built For:

The T101 was built with walkers in mind and allows for some jogging. The motor size is just large enough to handle jogging but is better suited to less stress.

Also, the deck of the T101 treadmill is less flexible than others near its price range like the Sole F63 and NordicTrack C990. Average users will likely notice the lessened flexibility but not experience discomfort. However, if you're in need of a cushioned deck for any reason, you may want to consider a more expensive treadmill.

On the plus side, since the motor is small, the T101 is an incredibly quiet treadmill. We find this is a desirable feature for parents looking to workout but not wanting to disturb the rest of their household.

Why we rate the T101 by Horizon 3 Stars

Easy interface for all users - While we love the tech-heavy consoles which come with higher-end treadmills, the Horizon T101 proves useful for those looking for a very simplified interface. All the buttons are clearly labeled and it is easy to scroll through the workout options. Once you select a workout, you only need to input a couple numbers and then you are all set to workout. It is even easier to use than more expensive Horizon treadmills, like the Elite T7.

Smooth operating action even with a small motor - With a 2.25 CHP motor, the T101 runs quietly, with its fan making more noise at the lower speeds than the motor itself. However, this doesn’t impede the treadmill’s ability to smoothly transition between different speeds and inclines while in use. Even when jogging and going from 0% incline to 10% incline, there was very little difference in the noise level as the motor had to work under strain.

Compact and light machine - The T101 is a surprisingly light machine making it easy to move. It folds up into a compact unit when not in use. This size of treadmill fits easily into most closets. For users who need a space-friendly machine, this is a good option.

Quick/Main Specs - 7/10

Motor Size: 2.25 CHP

Running Area: 20” x 55”

Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

Folding: Yes

Footprint (in use): 34” W x 70” L x 55” H

Footprint (folded): 34” W x 46” L x 61” H

Decline/Incline: 0% to 10%

Max Speed: 10 MPH

Noise Level: 51 dB to 73 dB (background noise @ 48 dB when measured)

Treadmill Best For: Walkers, light joggers

Motor Size - As mentioned before, the 2.25 CHP motor in the T101 is best suited for walkers and minimal-use joggers. With the smaller motor, the T101 treadmill operates quietly and has a low-profile motor hood that takes up less space than treadmills with large motors.

Running Area - Unlike many Sole, Proform and NordicTrack treadmills over $800, the T101 does not have a 2-ply running belt. With a 1-ply belt, the T101 belt can wear out more quickly than a treadmill with a 2-ply belt. A 1-ply belt can be used daily but is not up to more than two users on a daily basis.

The T101 belt has similar tread to the 2-ply belts so you will have secure traction even on this lower ply of belt.

This treadmill has a slightly shorter belt than other Horizon treadmills, with the running surface only measuring 20” wide and 55” long. This likely won’t trouble runners under 6’0”. However, if you have a wide stance or long stride, we would recommend you look for treadmills with a larger running surface, like the C990 or the F63.

Folding Capability - The T101 is a slender machine which folds up well. It also has a hydraulic system to assist in folding and releasing the treadmill.

Space / Footprint - When the T101 is in use, it is 34” wide, 70” long, and 55” high. The T101 is 34” wide, 46” long and 61” tall when in the folded position.

Noise Level - The quietness of the T101 is one of our favorite features. At its highest operating level of 10 MPH, the treadmill doesn’t rise above 73 dB. As 5 MPH is jogging speed for many people, users will be happy to see the T101 runs at a remarkably quiet 59 dB at this speed.

As for the console buttons, the first time you start the treadmill the buttons are at volume 7. This is a very shrill level, so you will want to turn it down significantly. The volume can range from 1-16.

Treadmill running at (baseline room noise of 48 dB):

10 MPH, w/fans: 73 dB

5 MPH, w/fans: 59 dB

1 MPH, w/fans: 51 dB

Noise output from button sounds: Depends on volume level

Incline/Decline - The T101 can go from 0% to 10% incline, with 0.5% intervals available if you use the console’s up/down arrows. The treadmill is quiet even while transitioning between different incline levels and is smooth with no stutter in movement.

Max Speed - You can go from 1 MPH to 10 MPH on the T101. You can either increase your speed by whole miles per hour (ex - 1,2,3, etc) by using the main console buttons, or by increments (ex - 3.1,3.2,3.3, etc) with the up/down arrows.

For those who want a bit more speed but still an affordable machine, the Sole F63 or NordicTrack C990 would be good treadmills to try as they can reach 12 MPH.

Features - 6/10

Display Size/Type - 4.5” yellow-green LCD screen

Speakers - 2 speakers

Fans - 1 built-in fan

Heart Rate Monitoring on Handrails - Yes

Heart Rate Monitoring Chest Strap - No

Cushioning - 3-zone variable response cushioning

Other Tech Features

3 cup holders

Emergency stop key

Console Display - A 4.5” yellow-green LCD screen comes with the T101. Not the fanciest screen out there but if you are looking for a simple, low-tech screen that won’t distract as you run, then this treadmill will be just fine. The console display has a lower overall height than other brand competitors, so it is easier to see over if you are watching T.V. as you run.

Speakers - There are 2 speakers built into this treadmill, which also comes with an aux cord so you can plug in your own music-playing device. The speakers are decent quality with a bit of a tinny sound once you hit mid-range volume level. The sound quality declines the higher you go in volume.

Fans - The T101 comes with 1 built-in fan. It is louder than the motor at walking speeds, but doesn’t put out much of a cooling breeze. If you are walking and using the fan, the low output will be enough to keep you cool but you won’t feel much if you are jogging.

Heart Rate Monitoring - This treadmill is not bluetooth enabled, so it does not come with a heart rate monitoring chest strap. There are two heart rate handgrips, but we have found across the board these handgrips are notoriously inaccurate.

Cushioning - The T101 utilizes 3-zone, Variable Response™ cushioning. Horizon’s 3-zone cushioning is supposed to provide separate zones for impact, transition, and push-off. We did not notice a difference between the zones when using the T101. The deck has no built-in flex, unlike slightly more expensive models like the F63 or the C990.

Workout Apps - Below are the 5 categorized programs you will find on the T101. They are simple and easy to use, with clear instructions on what information you need to input before starting a workout.

Manual Program - Allows you to select what speed, incline, and time duration for your workout.

Steps Programs - The steps programs range from 1000-10,000, allowing users to pick speed, and incline as they work toward their desired step goal.

Calories Programs - You can select a calorie burn program from 100-600 calories on the T101. After you’ve chosen your calorie burn program, you can pick your speed and incline then press start. You program will end as you hit your targeted calorie burn.

Distance Programs - There are 10 different distance programs on the T101: 1 mile, 2 mile, 5K, 5 miles, 10K, 8 miles, 15K, 10 miles, 20K, and half marathon. You pick the program, select your speed and incline, and then you are set to run that distance.

Intervals Programs - Challenge yourself with the T101 hills and speed interval programs. There are 10 different interval programs to choose ranging in intensity.. If you find a program too challenging, you can adjust the speed and incline mid-program.

Build Quality - 5/10

T101 Review: Build Quality

Warranty - Lifetime frame warranty

Parts and Electronics - 2 years

Labor - 1 year

Customer Support - The customer support number hours are M-Th 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. CST, F 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST, with no hours on the weekends. The email support hours are unlisted, but you can contact Horizon through email.

Overall, the T101 is a budget treadmill, which means it is not the highest build quality. While you can jog at a 10% incline and feel secure, it has no flexibility in the deck to allow for comfort while you jog.

The side rails appear as an afterthought, with exposed holes from where the rails were screwed on. While the molded plastic sides don’t bend when you step on them, none of our testers were above 200 lbs. As this treadmill is rated for users up to 300 lbs, we aren’t sure the side rails are actually up to the weight.

We did like the metal frame of the treadmill, making the T101 seem overall a bit more sturdy, even though the treadmill is light and easy to move.

The ease in moving the treadmill is a nice bonus, as it is clear the T101 features and build are focused on both a space and a monetary budget. It has an easy lift and release system, with hydraulics to slow the descent of the treadmill deck. It also has 4 wheels for easier movement so you can move it around without lifting up the running deck if needed.

Bottom Line Review of the Horizon T101

Overall, we liked the Horizon T101 treadmill for what it was: a budget treadmill from a good brand.

It has a simple and clean interface for users who aren’t interested in the latest workout technology, while providing options when it comes to workout program variations. It is inexpensive and light, allowing users who need a smaller and affordable machine consider this machine a good option.

It isn’t up for anything more than light jogging, as the motor is only 2.25 CHP and the belt is 1-ply.

So if you need a mobile, light and inexpensive machine to help you fit in some light exercising, the T101 is a good option.

Best Place to Buy the T101

We recommend you buy directly from the manufacturer if you would like to purchase the Horizon T101 treadmill, as it will save you money and and ensure you receive the latest model. This will also be a benefit if you’re ever in need of customer service or warranty issues.